Turn a classic comfort dish into a spooky showstopper with this Eyeball Meatball Spaghetti Recipe—perfect for Halloween dinners, parties, or a fun family night in. Juicy homemade meatballs are topped with melted mozzarella “eyes” and olive “pupils,” then served over a bed of spaghetti and rich marinara sauce. It looks creepy, tastes amazing, and is surprisingly easy to make. If you’re looking for a Halloween recipe that balances playful presentation with crowd-pleasing flavor, this one delivers every time.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: About 24 eyeball meatballs with spaghetti
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Eyeball Effect
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into small rounds
- 1 small can sliced black olives (or green olives for variation)
For the Spaghetti
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt, for pasta water
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. - Make the meatball mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make meatballs tough. - Form and bake the meatballs
Roll mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. - Create the eyeballs
Remove meatballs from the oven. Place a slice of mozzarella on top of each meatball and return to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Press an olive slice gently into the center of each melted mozzarella “eye” to create the pupil.Tip: For extra stability, add the olive while the cheese is still hot so it adheres well. - Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Heat the sauce
Warm marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. - Assemble and serve
Divide spaghetti among plates, spoon marinara sauce over the pasta, and top with eyeball meatballs. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
This Eyeball Meatball Spaghetti Recipe proves that Halloween food can be both playful and delicious. With its spooky appearance and classic Italian-inspired flavors, it’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Serve it at a Halloween party, themed dinner, or any night you want to make mealtime a little more fun—and a lot more memorable.
